In a significant development during the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Hamas has agreed to release 10 hostages as part of a confidence-building measure. The decision comes amid intense international efforts to broker peace between Israel and Hamas following months of devastating conflict.
According to official sources, the agreement was reached during talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with the United States also playing a behind-the-scenes role. The release is expected to take place in phases, with humanitarian and security arrangements coordinated in advance.
The hostages reportedly include a mix of civilians and military personnel held since the October 7 offensive. In exchange, Hamas has demanded a temporary ceasefire, humanitarian aid expansion, and the release of a number of Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons.
Israeli officials have confirmed ongoing discussions but have yet to publicly commit to Hamas’s conditions. Meanwhile, UN and Red Cross representatives have been put on standby to facilitate the transfer and ensure the safety of the hostages.
This gesture from Hamas is being seen by many observers as a potential breakthrough in the deadlocked negotiations, though experts caution that many hurdles remain, including Israel’s demand for a complete demilitarization of Gaza and Hamas’s insistence on ending the siege and occupation.
